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Francombs Grill in Medway City Estate opens after suspected arson attack

A food trailer that was the target of a suspected arson attack has now opened to the public.

Francombs Grill in Medway City Estate was severely damaged after being set fire to by yobs.

Francombs has now opened a second venue in Medway City Estate. Picture: Jesse Miller
Francombs has now opened a second venue in Medway City Estate. Picture: Jesse Miller

In April, owner Jesse Miller received a late phone call from his cafe manager saying that emergency services had been sent to the estate.

He currently runs a main shop, located in Rochester Court, as well as a portable trailer, set up in Chaucer Close.

“I saw all the fire engines there and you know, your heart just sinks," he previously told KentOnline.

“We were so excited, the staff had received their new uniform and everything.”

It was also the day before his new business venture was supposed to open to the public.

Firefighters were called after the trailer was set on fire ahead of its opening weekend. Picture: Jesse Miller
Firefighters were called after the trailer was set on fire ahead of its opening weekend. Picture: Jesse Miller

Because of this, Jesse believes it was a targeted attack.

Looking back at CCTV, the owner noticed two people on a moped with yellow wheels.

The passenger gets off and pours “some sort of accelerant down the back of the vent where the fridge was and sets light to it”.

Police at the time confirmed the fire was being treated as suspicious and enquiries were ongoing.

Jesse said: “We were a bit apprehensive in the lead up to opening day, thinking it was going to happen again.

Owner Jesse Miller (centre) with staff members Louise and Charlotte. Picture: Jesse Miller
Owner Jesse Miller (centre) with staff members Louise and Charlotte. Picture: Jesse Miller

“We’ve had to put extra security in place – including more cameras.

“I think we were a little bit naive before.”

The fire caused around £20,000 worth of damage to both the trailer and all of the new equipment inside.

“The repairs cost us tens of thousands to get it back up and running,” Jesse explained. “A lot of the machinery we couldn’t salvage.

“As a result we’ve had a loss of revenue whilst it was sitting on-site being refurbished.

The fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Picture: Jesse Miller
The fire caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Picture: Jesse Miller

“We would almost be established by now, but hopefully it is money we can recuperate.”

Three months later, the trailer finally opened on Monday (July 10).

It offers a range of fried breakfasts, handmade sandwiches and burgers, as well as hot and cold drinks.

Jesse says they plan on branching out into other meals once they are established, including Indian curries and introducing a specials board.

He added: “There’s no burn marks anymore in the trailer, it’s a distant memory now.

“We’ve had really positive feedback, I’m really pleased.

“It just shows how we weren’t defeated. People want to see you do well.”

Francombs Grill is open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3pm and Saturdays 7.30am till 2.30pm.

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